It’s that time of year once again. Senior assassin at Tahoma High School is in full swing; a game with excitement, thrill, and fun, where seniors only pay a $10 entering fee which gets put in the pot. In the first round, lasting two weeks, all seniors involved receive a person to “hunt” and in the same way, someone will receive them. The last person standing will receive the entire pot that was established in the beginning of the game.
Both Kaija West and Kai Kinder participated in senior assassin this year. They both had unique experiences with the game, but can both agree it has been a fun and exhilarating game to be a part of.
Kai Kinder, a Tahoma Senior who is participating in the game, is still in. Kai says that he is both scared and excited for the results. Whenever you are out, it feels like someone is watching you and planning to “get” you. He also feels stressed because of this. Kai’s plan of attack includes “Hella stalking, finding them through their friends and asking a lot of people, and constantly watching.” Kai plans on making it into the last round (which is his goal). Kai had planned on going the extra mile to keep making the rounds during the 2024 Senior Assassin. His final words from the competition include, “Exciting, stressful, wastes a lot of gas, and fun getting to your target.”
Kaija West, another senior at Tahoma high School, reflects on her experiences being a part of senior assassin this year. Although her time in the game was cut short in the second week, West explains the impact it had on her. From crazy chases, to other’s stories, to how it brought her closer to her peers, senior assassin has played a huge part in “so many memories” (West).
West explains her own experience with the game as it being an fun and exhilarating experience, and suggests it for any incoming seniors.
“I had a great time, even though I got out pretty early (round 1 week 2). My biggest pieces of advice to those who play in future years is to #1. Always watch your back and #2. Be very careful about who you talk to. Sunglasses and a hoodie are a go-to when talking stealth, you never know who you could run into. I don’t think there’s anything I’d really change about the rules, but maybe adding like 1 extra revive would be cool to give more people a chance to get back in the game if you get out.”
This being a game ultimately to get a little extra cash in your pocket, turns into so much more while playing. West is a great example of taking away more than just a couple weeks. She is taking with her “so many memories and new connections”
“With senior year coming to an end I think a lot of us are slowly realizing how we aren’t going to see a lot of people we go to school with again after graduation. Little activities like these have brought so many of us closer together and in the end I think that’s what this kind of stuff is all about.”
The Senior Assassin, even though generally perceived as a fun game, gives room for friendship, tactical reasoning and unforgettable moments among the players. It offers an interesting mix of thrill and friendly rivalry that not only acts as a thrilling outlet for senior students, but it also creates lasting relationships and memories beyond the end of the games. In fact, as women see men confront them at every corner, they are taught valuable lessons on working together and maintaining trust in each other along with being able to adjust to new situations. More than just a game, Senior Assassin is a tradition that unites classmates all while leaving a great impact on their high school life.
